Longtime American Falls and Pleasant Valley resident Bill Liese, age 84, joined his parents, brothers and sisters in heaven on July 1, 2008. Bill passed away in his sleep at the Treasure Valley Care Center in Boise on July 1, 2008.
Bill was born Feb. 6, 1924 in American Falls. He graduated from American Falls High School and after attending vocational school at Idaho State College he spent many years running the family farms in Pleasant Valley. Bill was active in church and community life in American Falls.
On May 9, 1944 he married the love of his life Shirley Jean Eames. Mom and dad enjoyed 64 years together. Bill is survived by his loving wife Shirley, daughters Carol and Paula, and son Ron. Bill was preceded in death by his parents John and Frederica, his brothers Dave and Arthur, and sisters Louise and Amelia and daughter Patricia.
Some of his fondest memories were the Farm Bureau Association functions where he served as a Director. He also enjoyed many fun times with friends, relatives and neighbors especially the Schatz’s, Kranzler’s, Allen’s, Tiede’s, Burgemeister’s, Deeg’s, Neu’s, Rast’s, Eames, Breding’s, and Grischkowsky’s. Many other friends and neighbors too numerous to mention enjoyed the fun times with Bill Liese.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 7, at 1 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in American Falls. Internment at the Falls View Cemetery, American Falls, will follow the church service. Viewing and family visitation begins at 11 a.m. prior to service. A luncheon for family and friends will be served at the church following the service.
Memorials and gifts to be donated and directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church, American Falls, in celebration of our father’s life.

Darwin Wayne Blair

Darwin Wayne Blair, 71, of American Falls, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at his home. He was born on May 27, 1937 in Superior, AZ, to John Blair and Wilma (Blair) Smith.
His father passed away when Darwin was an infant. He was raised by a loving stepfather, Charles Smith. He grew up on the Mojave Desert in California. In 1951, Darwin and his family moved to American Falls, where he graduated from American Falls High School, later going to school to become a Heavy Machinery Operator.
Darwin began working from the time he came to Idaho. He worked at various jobs to help his family. He worked many years for Kent Brothers, later retiring form Snake River Cattle in 1999. After retirement, he worked part time for Bingham Co-op, and Trans Systems.
Darwin always loved to grow things. He farmed for a short time, later downsizing it into a huge garden in his back yard where he spent most of his summer days.
In his younger years, Darwin liked fishing, hunting and camping. His greatest love of all was the time he spent with his children and his grandchildren.
In 1958 he married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Faye) Harris. They had four children: Wayne (Susan) Blair of AZ, Memorie Wilson of American Falls, Danielle (Greg) Sterner of MN and Joseph (Maura) Blair of WA. He had nine grandchildren: Alicia (Dennis) Harris of Pocatello, Krysta Wilson of American Falls, Tyler (TJ) Blair of AZ, Justin, Sara, Jace Sterner of MN, Dylan Forsyth of UT, Tavian, Tasia Nelson of WA.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather, and his sister, Eleanor Dlabaj, and his nephew, Charlie Clemons. He is survived by his wife, children, and all the brothers and sisters he loved so much, and who brought so much love into his life. Brothers: John E. Blair (Sharon) of American Falls, Harry Smith (Kathy) of American Falls; his sisters: Peggy Parrish of American Falls, Shirley O’Lander (Vern) of Twin Falls, and Barbara Brunk (Dennis) of Burley.
There are no services planned at this time. The family sincerely thanks all of our family and friends for the understanding, kindness, and support and mostly for the love they have given to us for so many years.

Katherine Tabor

Katherine Tabor, 91, passed away at her home in Sun City West, Arizona, on June 26, 2008. She is survived by her four children; Katrina Phillips (Omaha, Nebraska), Keith Kramer (Surprise, Arizona), Nancy LaCasse (Sun City West, Arizona), and Nadine Gray (Boise, Idaho); her two grandchildren, Ashlee Homan (Bend, Oregon) and Jillian Farmer (Boise, Idaho). She is also survived by two sisters and a brother; Mary Frances Hayes (Greensboro, North Carolina), Lucille Morton (Clemson, South Carolina), and Fletcher Redmond (Lanett, Alabama).
Katherine was born on Nov. 7, 1916 in Five Points, Alabama, the oldest of four children. She received her bachelors’ degree in teaching from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, and also completed graduate work at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. In 1945, she met and married Roland T. Kramer in Mission, Texas. They later moved to American Falls where they started the Falls Drug Store, which they owned and operated for many years.
Throughout her lifetime, Katherine was very involved in community and church life. As a young student, she was active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship and directed several Christmas pageants and special events. With an enormous love of singing and music, she was a vocal soloist at recitals, church services, funerals and weddings. She also loved being a part of the AF Sharps and the Methodist Church choirs in American Falls and Sun City West, AZ.
Voted “First Lady of the Year” in 1973 by the civic leaders of American Falls, Idaho, she was actively involved in the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Beta Sigma Phi Women’s Sorority, 4-H, Legion Auxiliary, Idaho State Dept. of Education, National Education Association, Community Public Relations Committee, and served as President of Chapter U P.E.O., Business & Professional Women, and the P.T.A. Her desire was to serve and help the lives of others.
As an elementary school teacher for many years in Alabama, Texas, and Hillcrest Elementary School in American Falls, Katherine threw her time, energy, and enthusiasm into the lives of her students. She took her passion of teaching very seriously. “We are molding children’s characters and we have to be a model,” she explained when describing her life as a teacher. She collected souvenirs and memoirs from all of her travels across the U.S. and overseas to share with her class. She wanted to make the learning experience real to them, and made every effort to make school fun and exciting. After retirement, she relocated to Sun City West, Arizona, where she was involved in the Sun City West Art Club, Idaho Club, Methodist Church choir, Esther Circle, West Valley Art Museum, R.H. Johnson Library, P.E.O. friendship group, and various other community activities.
Katherine loved gardening, flowers, children, music, teaching and art. She was a gifted artist and painted many beautiful landscapes, floral arrangements, seascapes, and portraits. Her paintings have been displayed at various locations in Sun City West, AZ. With a vibrant personality, she loved people and life, and brought much joy to those around her. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who loved her.
A memorial service will be held at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 13658 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West, AZ, on Friday, July 11, 2008, at 10:00 am. Memorial gifts in Katherine’s honor may be sent to: American Falls Education Foundation (827 Fort Hall Ave., American Falls, Idaho 83211 Phone: 208-226-5173), or Mary’s Place Memory Care Program (14601 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351 Phone: 623-584-4999).

Florence Etta Savage

Florence Etta Savage passed away at home with her family beside her on Saturday, July 5, 2008. Florence was born to Henry Wadsworth and Etta Pearl Robinson on March 26, 1923. She was the remaining child of 13 her mother had.
Florence worked seasonal work in the potatoes for the Kendall Brothers. They were some very fun times for her. In 1962 she went to work for the J.R. Simplot processing plant, where she worked until her retirement in 1985.
She married her lifetime sweetheart, Clifford Savage in 1940. Of that union came four children. They built their own home in Aberdeen. They spent many memorable times camping out and fishing on the Salmon River. They were rock hounds, always coming home with their Bronco full.
Later in life she learned what she could do with a crochet hook and yarn. From that time on she was never without them. She made afghans for every occasion and every family at least once. She loved her yard and her roses. She loved sitting in her swing on her patio and enjoying the view.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of almost 51 years, Clifford Savage, her youngest child, Wade Garth (Stormy) Savage.
She is survived by two daughters, Sharon (John) Blair, American Falls, Jean (Mark) Phillips, Aberdeen; one son, Wayne (LaDene) Savage, Idaho Falls; 12 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
There will be a viewing at Davis-Rose Mortuary on Wednesday, July 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The graveside service will be Thursday, July 10, at 2 p.m. at the Aberdeen Cemetery.

Ettamae Burton

Ettamae Florence (Zimmerman) Burton died Saturday, July 12, 2008 in Pocatello.
Born March 30 1939, in Aberdeen, Etta was the seventh child out of eight children born to John and Martha (Nachtigal) Zimmerman. Etta grew up in Aberdeen, and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1957. She then attended business school in Pocatello. During that time she met her love of her life (husband) Gary L Burton. They were married on Dec. 31, 1961.
During the first eight years of their marriage they lived in California where they had their two children, Kenneth L. Burton and Matthew A. Burton. They moved back to Idaho in 1969 and made it their home. Etta worked as a bookkeeper and around 2000 retired due to medical problems and her long term struggle with diabetes.
Etta enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and cats. She enjoyed watching ISU sports, shopping, reading her magazines, watching the news, listening to news talk radio, and discussing politics.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Gary L. Burton; sons Kenneth L. Burton, wife Angela Burton and Matthew A. Burton, wife Marreen Burton; grandchildren Anthony Bosquez (18), Tyler Kratske (15), Christian Burton (12), and McKenna Burton (3); sister Ruth and husband Norman Jones; brothers Leroy and wife Jean Zimmerman, David and wife Lorene Zimmerman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Helen (Douglas - still living) Mentz, brothers William (Loraine - still living) Zimmerman, Richard Zimmerman, and Glen (Carol - still living) Zimmerman.
Funeral services will be held at the Assembly of God at 339 Harrison, American Falls, on Friday, July 18. There will be a viewing at the Assembly of God starting at 9:30 a.m. Friday followed by funeral services at 10:30 a.m.

Joseph “Jodie" Leon Nelson

Joseph “Jodie” Leon Nelson, 71 of Aberdeen, died peacefully at his home Tuesday, July 8, 2008 from cancer.
Jodie was born in American Falls, Jan. 13, 1937 to Farold and Lela Mae Nelson. He was raised in Rockland, along with his sister Shelda, brothers, Farold “Buster”, Richard, Dean and Gene. He attended Rockland schools where he was active in basketball, football and rodeo.
He left the family farm to work in the logging industry in Lincoln, MT. On Oct. 9, 1965 he married Doris Addie Christensen Monsen in Coeur d’Alene, ID. They moved back to Aberdeen in January 1966. He then went to work at the Power County Highway District and retired with 35 years of service. His life was blessed by one son Barry (DeDe) Nelson, and three stepsons, Steven (Ginger), Larry (Carole), and Doyle (Debbie); four grandchildren, Tonja, Christa, Jainee, and Garret; eight step-grandchildren and their families. Jodie enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and two brothers.
The memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Aberdeen First Ward, with President Scott Poulson conducting. Inurnment was at the Aberdeen Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under the Direction of Davis-Rose Mortuary.

Floyd A. Christensen

Ret. U.S. Army MSgt Floyd A. Christensen passed away on Friday, July 4, 2008 at Madigan Medical Center, Tacoma, WA. He was born and raised in American Falls and had been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Floyd served during the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart. After retiring from the U.S. Army, he served many years for the police department at the University of Texas at El Paso. Floyd was known for: having a kind and generous heart, a great sense of humor, sending and receiving PowerPoints from his many email friends, and his two Chinese Pug dogs, Winnie and Peanut.
Family members include his son, Michael Christensen and daughter-in-law Johanna Windisch, of Gig Harbor, WA, his daughter, Bonnie Broyles and son-in-law Brad Broyles of Garland, TX and granddaughter Juliana Windisch; and his brothers: Gene, Ray and Lyle Christensen. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, and wife of 56 years, Tsurue “Sue” Christensen in October, 2007.
Committal Services with Full Military Honors were held 10:15 a.m., Friday, July 11, at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA. Arrangements by Haven of Rest.

Raymond John (Hoppy) Lewis

Raymond John (Hoppy) Lewis was born March, 7, 1933 in Aberdeen. He passed away on July 25, 2008, in his home in Aberdeen. By his side was his wife of 54 years, Beverly, his daughter Dinah, and grandson Jefferey.
Hoppy was preceded in death by both parents, four brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Lewis, Aberdeen, twin daughters Dinah Lewis, Pocatello and Diana (Roy) Darrington, Sacramento, CA; six grandchildren: Melissa (Shane) Bronson, Kristy (Troy) Bohx, Jefferey Raymond Cobbley, Angella Darrington, Mary Daniel and Marjean Darrington; eight great grandchildren, and sisters Alvina Savage, American Falls, Wanda Preble, Fresno, CA, and Jessie Walker, Aberdeen, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Hoppy served a term in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Hawaii. He also worked on the railroad, in a body shop, on the Wride farm and lumberyard in Aberdeen. He was employed by Ward Oil at the time of his retirement in 2003.
Hoppy was a people person and everyone was his friend. He loved animals, and especially loved his dogs Lucky, Elvis and May. He enjoyed the outdoors where he and his wife loved camping and motorcycle riding. They had especially enjoyed exploring the desert west of Aberdeen.
As were his wishes, Hoppy made arrangements for an anatomical donation. He said he was going to make it to college one way or another. Welcome to class, professor!
There will be a memorial service for family and friends on Friday, Aug. 1, 2008, at the Calvary Chapel in Aberdeen at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association in Raymond’s name.